What to do in Dublin, Ireland
Let me level with you. I’ve lived in Ireland for 7 years. In fact, I’m an official citizen! But I did grow up in America, so I’ve done allll of the touristy things. And while there are some serious gems around Dublin (and all of Ireland!), certain sites are way more worth it than others. So after doing everything myself, and bringing plenty of friends around, here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
Pubs
I’ll cut straight to the chase because everyone wants to know what pub to go to! Have underage travelers with you? Or just not a big fan of alcohol? Not to worry! It’s not like America where you are IDed just to get in. All are welcome, and you can enjoy a Coke rather than a beer.
For the food: O’Neill’s Pub (Suffolk Street)
They do the BEST Irish food, the pub is big enough that you’re basically always guaranteed to get a seat, they have pour-your-own pint tables which is kind of fun, and upstairs they do Irish Dancing every night from around 9pm. It’s an excellent (free!) performance. Plus they have a fantastic drink selection so you can try out a bunch of different local whiskeys/ciders/beers/etc.
For the vibe: The Brazen Head
This is the oldest pub in Dublin. It’s definitely worth a visit on a nicer day as it has a lovely courtyard to sit out in, but the inside is a little cramped if the weather is too wet. If you’re lucky on a cold day, though, you just might get a seat by the open fire.
For the Guinness: The Gravediggers (John Kavanagh, Glasnevin)
A short bus ride away (you can catch the bus on O’Connell Street), grab the best pint of Guinness at The Gravedigger’s Pub (one of the older pubs in Dublin).
For the history: The Church
Where Arthur Guinness got married, the church has been converted into a bar/restaurant. The food itself is a little overpriced and nothing to write home about, but it’s a stunning place to grab one drink.
For the music: Stag’s Head
Every Tuesday night The Stag’s Head does a ukulele night where everyone plays the same sheet music together! Such a fun vibe.
Historic Sites
Christchurch
Really pretty to just view from the outside if you don’t want to spend the money to get in, there are some benches around the gardens as well. There are some Viking bits and pieces around the grounds, and you can go in for a full Viking tour as well, although I can’t say it’s worth the money for the Viking bit. But Christchurch itself is really cool to go into.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
If you go into Christchurch I’d say don’t bother paying to go into St. Patrick’s as well, but it’s really pretty from the outside, especially if the weather is good. It’s worth checking Fever Up to see if anything is on there while you’re here as you’d get admission and a show. They do some really nice candlelit concerts, and organ concerts, among other shows.
A really old jail (a short bus ride away from city centre) that has a really well-done display/tour with lots of information. One of the better done tourist destinations!
Glasnevin Cemetery
I know it sounds strange to recommend a cemetery, but it is always the number one thing my friends/family say they’re glad they saw. It’s so underrated for tourism! While you’re grabbing a pint at the Gravediggers, walk around the cemetery and admire the incredibly beautiful, old headstones for free. Or, you can take a scheduled tour of the more famous graves, if you want to learn more about the history. This is also one of the few round towers you can go to the top of (there is a ticketed price) for a stunning view of Dublin. On a nice day, a walk through the Botanic Gardens is free and will take up a few hours of your time.
Nature
An amazing cliff walk, accessible via the Dart. It’s quite long, so wear good walking shoes, check the weather, and plan to spend your day there between travel and the cliff walk itself. Bray and Greystones both have nice restaurants so you can have lunch before or after your walk.
Howth
Another great cliff walk, also accessible via the Dart (the opposite direction) is in Howth. This one is a loop, with a lighthouse at the turnaround point. I recommend going to Howth for the great fish and chips, fresh seafood restaurants, historic ruins, and generally cute seaside vibe.
Killiney Hill
Not a cliff walk but a beautiful hike with stunning coastal views at the top, and some nice beaches nearby. There’s a really cute tea house along the way as well. Accessible via Dart.
Shopping
Grafton Street
The main street in Dublin city centre, you’ll find the brands you’re familiar with here in addition to Brown Thomas, the more high-end department store in Ireland. I recommend going into Bewley’s, our famous tea shop, for a sweet treat and hot cuppa, to tide you over while you shop.
George’s Street Arcade
An outdoor (but covered) boutique-y shopping mall. Nice for a quick meander through for the vibes, and perfect for truly Irish artsy gifts and souveniers rather than shopping at Carroll’s.
Powerscourt Shopping Centre
A really beautiful historic building, there are some lovely Irish-made shops to browse in here as well as a cafe.
Where to eat in Dublin
Irish stew: O’Neill’s and Arthur’s are my favourites
Burgers: WowBurger - any of the locations around the city
Sushi: Musashi, specifically the one on Parnell Street
Mexican: The Hungry Mexican on the quays near-ish to Temple Bar does really good Mexican food (and margaritas!). They’ll do anything on their menu in a vegan version - and they’re SO good.
BBQ: Pitt Bros is pretty American but they do amazing BBQ.
Ice cream: Murphy’s has some fun ice cream flavours
See more food recommendations!
Day Trips from Dublin
If you do have a chance to do a day trip, I highly, highly recommend Glendalough. It’s kind of a nightmare to get to without a car, so a tour is a great way to visit. Wicklow has a lot to see - it’s considered the “garden of Ireland”. Glendalough itself is a monastery (in ruins) and 2 lakes. There are walking paths around both lakes, or you can go on full-on long hikes if you want to! The monastery is beautiful and well worth the trip.
Not many of the Glendalough tours go to Avoca Village, but it’s SO lovely and I highly rate it. It’s the original location for Avoca wool mills. You’ll see one of these shops next to O’Neill’s on Suffolk Street - definitely go in. They have some gorgeous things! Wicklow Mountains Tour does, but I haven’t been on it myself so I can’t speak for what the tour is like, only the locations.
